• Loading stock data...
Saturday, December 14, 2024

Chicago Close to In-Person Betting at Pro Stadiums

  • Chicago is close to allowing in-person sports betting at professional sports stadiums.
  • An ordinance has been approved by the City Council Joint Committee on Licensing and Zoning.
Chicago-Stadium-Betting
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

Chicago is close to allowing in-person sports betting at professional sports stadiums — with help from some of the city’s most notable sports figures. 

An ordinance with support from Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts, Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, and White Sox and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf has been approved by Chicago’s City Council Joint Committee on Licensing and Zoning.

Despite the approval, integrating in-person sports betting at venues has faced criticism due to concerns of the viability of Chicago-based casinos amid increased competition.

Soldier Field Plans

Chicago’s willingness to implement in-person sports betting at professional sports venues has also impacted the Chicago Bears and the team’s desire to build a new stadium. 

  • The Bears, who have called Soldier Field home since 1971, signed a purchase agreement in September for the Arlington International Racecourse property in a deal valued at $197.2 million
  • The benefits of the Arlington site include an option to have an enclosed stadium and a sports betting lounge. 
  • Bears president Ted Phillips stated that the Chicago Park District has refused “to engage in good-faith discussions” about integrating sports betting opportunities at Soldier Field.

Illinois, which requires in-person registration to wager on sports, has reported $556 million in sports betting revenue with a total handle of $7.3 billion since March 2020 — when it became legalized in the state.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Cody Bellinger

The Astros Cheating Scandal Still Looms Large Five Years Later

It may end up a major factor in the Cubs’ and Yankees’ offseasons. 
Sponsored

Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality

The most exciting racing on water is making waves by rewriting the narrative of what’s possible for women in high-performance sports.
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Elon Musk looks on before Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium.

Can Elon Musk’s X Fix Its Rampant Fake Sports News Problem?

Little is known about how X will enforce its new policy aimed at parody accounts.
Oct 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) drives past New York Liberty forwards Kayla Thornton (5) and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center.

Kelsey Plum Backs Out of Unrivaled

She’s skipping the new league’s season, along with Caitlin Clark.

Featured Today

The Top-Secret Operation to Create the Army-Navy Football Uniforms

The two-year process includes dozens of employees, NDAs, and military historians.
Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena
December 9, 2024

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
DraftKings

Sens. Say DraftKings, FanDuel May Have Conspired to Crush Competition: ‘One Company’

The senators asked the FTC and DOJ to investigate the gambling companies.
DraftKings
November 8, 2024

DraftKings Lowers Full-Year Guidance After Brutal NFL Outcomes

DraftKings cited a tough start to the fourth quarter in lowering its 2024 guidance.
December 4, 2024

Poker Pro Pleads Guilty to ‘Massive’ Sports Betting Tips Fraud

Cory Zeidman ran a scheme that amassed $25 million over 14 years.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Sports betting Analyst Steve Coughlin gives out high-fives on the set of ESPN's College Game Day at the University of Texas, ahead of the Longhorns' game against the Georgia Bulldogs in Austin, Oct. 19, 2024.
November 7, 2024

ESPN Bet at Critical Point As Penn Reports Quarterly Earnings

The two sides agreed to a 10-year deal last August.
Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (8) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after scoring against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
November 6, 2024

Missouri Becomes 39th State to Legalize Sports Gambling

Missouri was the only state with sports gambling on its ballot this election cycle.
November 5, 2024

On the Ballot: Sports Betting, Former Athletes Impacting the 2024 Election

Several U.S. Senate candidates have sports backgrounds, while Missouri voters will consider legalizing sports betting.
Tony Hinchcliffe at Donald Trump rally.
November 4, 2024

Sports Betting Companies Holding Comic at Arm’s Length After Trump Rally

Hinchcliffe drew criticism over his comments at a rally for Trump.